CHINESE STRING OF PEARLS POLICY AND INDIA'S SECURITY IMPLICATIONS

String of Pearls refers to the Chinese intention to establish a network in India Ocean Region (IOR) surrounding India. Each Pearl represents some form of permanent Chinese military installation in a series of locations along a String. Recent development of ports around India, in Gwadar, Hambantota, Sittwe on the Bay of Bengal Coast in Myanmar etc. are seen as part of a string of pearls. Although these are commercial ports, the fear is that these could be easily converted to Naval facilities in case of a conflict in India

Comparison of boba pearls made from tapioca starch and other unconventional flours and starches: Their glycaemic response (GR)

@#Introduction: Boba milk tea, also recognised as bubble tea, is a popular beverage in Asia. The primary component in bubble tea is “boba” or “pearl” balls, made of tapioca starch. However, much remains to be seen if tapioca boba pearls have a profound impact on blood glucose. Methods: In a randomised, controlled crossover, single-blinded design study, 12 healthy Chinese male adults (body mass index 21±14 kgm−2) attended four sessions. At each session, bubble tea consisting of boba pearls made from tapioca starch (TS), sago starch (SS), high-amylose starch + sago starch (HA), or kithul flour + sago starch (KF) were served. Boba milk tea was served at breakfast, with volunteers consuming them in a fasted state at each session. The postprandial glycaemic response and insulin response were compared within participants. Results: There were observed differences at time 180min for incremental glucose between HA and SS (p=0.005), and for TS and SS for incremental insulin (p=0.004). Glucose iAUC was lower for TS compared to the other boba pearl treatments, although not significantly (p=0.093). There was no significant difference in iAUC of insulin (p=0.104) between the four boba pearl milk teas. Conclusion: With limited scientific research conducted on bubble milk tea, our study was the first to document the glycaemic responses of tapioca starch boba pearls and boba pearls made using unconventional flours and starches. The findings from this study is an important first step for future work to develop healthier boba pearls for bubble tea.

Osteomielitis esternoclavicular, tratamiento local y sistémico. Reporte de caso / Sternoclavicular osteomielitis local and systemic treatment. Case report

Resumen Caso reporte de una enfermedad infrecuente, aproximadamente 1% de las artritis sépticas son esternoclavicular, con poca respuesta a antibioterapia intravenosa, requiriendo manejo quirúrgico agresivo, el siguiente caso narra la excelente respuesta con el uso de perlas de sulfato de calcio impregnadas con antibióticos, existiendo en la literatura sólo casos reportes sobre su uso.

Abstract Case report of an infrequent disease, approximately 1% of septic arthritis are sternoclavicular, with little response to intravenous antibiotic therapy, requiring ag gressive surgical management, the following case narrates the excellent response with the use of calcium sulfate pearls impregnated with antibiotics, existing in the literature only cases reports on its use.

Aplicación profiláctica de sulfato de calcio medicado en prótesis total de cadera no cementada / Prophylactic application of medicated calcium sulphate in uncemented total hip prosthesis

Resumen: El incremento en la cirugía de artroplastía total de cadera es motivado por muchos factores, como el aumento en la expectativa de vida, mejoría continua en la técnica quirúrgica e innovaciones en el diseño y los materiales de los implantes que, sumados, han convertido a este procedimiento en una solución efectiva a la degeneración articular, con excelentes resultados. Sin embargo, a pesar de los avances tecnológicos, la infección periprotésica se ha mantenido como una de las complicaciones más devastadoras. Este estudio evalúa la aplicación profiláctica de perlas de sulfato de calcio medicadas en el canal femoral y superficie acetabular para prevenir infecciones periprotésicas en pacientes que fueron sometidos a una artroplastía total de cadera primaria no cementada contra un grupo control mediante la medición de reactantes de fase aguda y cultivo de líquido sinovial. Se sometieron al estudio 146 individuos: 67 a quienes se les aplicaron perlas de sulfato de calcio medicado y 79 a quienes se les aplicó antibiótico profiláctico intravenoso de Septiembre de 2013 a Agosto de 2016. Como método diagnóstico de infección periprotésica temprana se evaluaron la proteína C reactiva asociada a velocidad de sedimentación globular aumentada, una fístula que comunicara con la prótesis, cultivo positivo de dos o más sitios periprotésicos de líquido sinovial o tejido. Los resultados clínicos demostraron que hubo una disminución en los valores de los reactantes de fase aguda en los sujetos a quienes se les aplicaron las perlas de sulfato de calcio medicado. Se encontró que 14 personas presentaron infección en el grupo con profilaxis parenteral, comparado con tres del grupo con profilaxis local con perlas de sulfato de calcio medicado; ambos grupos con ceftriaxona. Se consideró que el uso profiláctico de perlas de sulfato de calcio dentro de canal medular y la superficie acetabular es una buena opción para prevenir infecciones periprotésicas en quienes han sido sometidos a una artroplastía total de cadera primaria no cementada; sin embargo el estudio amerita seguimiento con más pacientes para tener significancia estadística.

Abstract: The increase in total hip arthroplasty occurs by many factors, such as increasing life expectancy, improving surgical technique as well as innovating the design and implant material. However, despite technological advances, peri-prosthetic infection has remained one of the most devastating complications. This study evaluates the prophylactic application of calcium sulfate pearls medicated in the femoral canal and acetabular surface to prevent peri-prosthetic infections in patients who underwent total uncemented primary hip arthroplasty against a control group by measuring acute phase reactants. 146 patients, 67 were applied calcium sulfate pearls medicated and 79 prophylactic antibiotic intravenous in the period from 2013 to 2016. To perform the diagnosis of peri-prosthetic infection was assessed PCR associated with VSG, communication between fistula and prostheses and positive culture in 2 or more different sites. There was a decrease in the values of acute-phase reactants in patients who were given calcium sulfate pearls. 14 patients presented infection in the control group and 3 in the study group. The prophylactic use of calcium sulphate pearls within the medullary canal and acetabular surface is an option for the prophylaxis of peri-prosthetic infections, however the study deserves follow-up with more patients.

Study of physiological skin changes in neonates

Background: Physiological cutaneous changes and clinical presentation is very frequently in neonates. The skin of the new born is covered with greyish white greasy material vernix caseosa, a physiologic protective covering derived partially by secretion of sebaceous glands and in part as a decomposition product of the infant’s epidermis. It acts as a natural protectant to the infant in utero. It should be allowed to come off by itself. Aim: To study the various physiological changes in neonates. Materials and methods: We studied 200 neonates for the pattern of cutaneous changes. 200 neonates were examined within 24 hours of birth over the period of 2 years. We prospectively enrolled and analysed 200 patients with various dermatoses in infants from July 2010- December 2012 in the Department of Dermatology. The complete clinical history was taken and complete physical examination was performed. Types of clinical lesions and their distribution along with mucous membrane lesions were noted; any change in hair, nail, and teeth was noted. Results: Most common cutaneous change observed was Mongolian spots followed by physiological exfoliation and erythema neonatorum. Physiological cutaneous change was observed in 100% neonates. Conclusion: We confirm the variation in physiological cutaneous changes and their time of onset in neonates. This study showed physiological changes were present in all newborn. Number of lesion was more in preterm babies.

Prepucial Epstein Pearls: Revisited

Milia are minute follicular epidermal cysts, commonly found over the cheeks, nose, upper lip, forehead, and rarely over the areolae and genitalia.Prepucial milia (Prepucial Epstein pearl), are pearly white papules, 1-2mm in size found on the prepuce or shaft of the penis in a male new born. They are benign in nature and almost always disappear within a few weeks. Prepucial milia evoke a lot of concern and anxiety to the parents. Physician and child healthcare providers should be aware of this condition to avoid unnecessary intervention.

Raíces dentales humanas normales y con perlas de cemento: comparación histológica de estructuras / Normal human dental roots and withcementum pearls: structural histological comparison

Durante la vida del diente en boca se deposita cemento celular en el ápice a fin de compensar el desgaste oclusal considerado normal. Al extraer un diente, en raras ocasiones es posible visualizar excesos de cemento con forma de perlas bien delimitados y duros al tacto, ubicados en otro sector radicular diferente al ápice. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar estructuras en ambos tipos de cemento a fin de hallar diferencias histológicas. Se utilizaron 20 dientes permanentes con perlas (G1) y 20 con raíces normales (G2). Las raíces de G1 se cortaron con disco metálico de grano fino a baja velocidad en sentido transversal, a la altura de la parte más prominente de la protuberancia, las raíces de G2 se marcaron en tercios y se cortaron en sentido transversal aproximadamente a la altura de la mitad del tercio apical y de ambos grupos se obtuvieron un segmento que fue reservado y otro que fue preparado con técnica por desgaste para visualización con MO a menor y mayor aumentos. Los resultados se compararon con prueba t de student, las variables categóricas se compararon con pruebas de Fisher significación 5 por ciento. Se obtuvieron 40 dientes de pacientes adultos, 42,5 por ciento masculinos y 57,5 por ciento femeninos, edad promedio 61+/-16 en G1 y 55+/-18 en G2 (p=0,289). El contorno exterior de las perlas fue liso, conservando su perímetro, la zona granular de Tomes fue visible al igual que las lagunas, que fueron menos abundantes, de mayor tamaño y con distribución desordenada llegando en menor proporción al borde del tejido comparado con cemento normal.

During tooth life in mouth cellular cement settles in the apex in order to compensate the occlusal wear considered normal. After a tooth extraction, on rare occasions it is possible to visualize cement excesses with pearls form well delimited and hard to tact, located in another radicular sector different of the apex. Our aim was to compare structures in both types of cement in order to find histological differences. Consequently, 20 permanent teeth with pearls (G1) and 20 with normal roots (G2) were used. G1 roots were cut by a thin grain metallic disc at low speed in transverse sense, at the height of the protuberance most prominent part; G2 roots were marked in thirds and cut in transverse sense at the half of the third apical. From both groups a segment was obtained to be reserved and other one that was prepared by erosion technology to be visualized by MO at minor and major increases. Results were compared with student t test, categorical variables with Fisher's tests significance 5 percent. Forty adult patients teeth were obtained, male 42.5 percent and female 57.5 percent, age average in G1 61+/-16 and 55+/-18 in G2 (p=0.289). Pearls exterior face was smooth, with a preserved perimeter, Tomes granular zone was visible as were lagoons, which were less abundant, greater in size and with uneven distribution arriving at tissue border in a lesser proportion compared with normal cement.

Aplicación del Nd-YAG láser en pacientes con opacidad de cápsula posterior / Use of Nd-Yag laser in patients with posterior capsule opacification

Objetivo: determinar el resultado visual de la capsulotomía posterior en los pacientes con opacidad de cápsula posterior. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, transversal en el centro oftalmológico de Port Mourant en Guyana, en el período comprendido entre marzo de 2009 hasta julio de 2010. Con un universo de 54 pacientes, operados de catarata por la técnica de Blumenthal de más de 6 meses de evolución, con opacidad de la cápsula posterior. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, tipo de opacidad, complicaciones en el acto quirúrgico y agudeza visual corregida antes y después del láser. Los datos se recogieron de los informes operatorios y las historias clínicas. Resultados: existió un predominio del sexo femenino con más de 60 años. El 50 por ciento de los pacientes antes del tratamiento presentaban una agudeza visual corregida menor o igual a 20/60. El tipo de opacidad capsular más diagnosticada fue las perlas de Elschnig (68,5 por ciento). Solamente el 16,7 por ciento de los pacientes tuvieron complicaciones, entre ellas, la elevación transitoria de la presión intraocular fue la más frecuente. El 81,5 por ciento de los pacientes a los que se le realizó la capsulotomía posterior alcanzaron una visión corregida de 20/20. Conclusión: la capsulotomía posterior con Nd-YAG láser es un valioso procedimiento para los pacientes con opacidad de la cápsula posterior que mejora ostensiblemente su agudeza visual, con una incidencia mínima de complicaciones

Objective: to determine the visual outcome of the posterior capsulotomy in patients with posterior capsule opacification. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted in the National Ophthalmology Hospital of Port Mourant in Guyana, from March 2009 to July 2010. The universe of study was made up of 54 patients who had been operated on from cataract by Blumenthal technique six months earlier and presented with posterior capsule opacification. The variables were age, sex, opacity type, transoperative complications and the corrected visual acuity before and after the capsulotomy. The information was gathered from operative reports and medical histories. Results: prevalence of females with more than 60 years of age. Half of the patients had corrected visual lower than or equal to 20/60 before the treatment. The most diagnosed capsular opacity was Elsching pearls (68.5 percent). Just 16.7 percent of the patients suffered complications, being the transient rise of the intraocular pressure the most frequent. Of the sample, 81.5 percent of patients reached corrected vision of 20/20 after the posterior capsulotomyConclusion: posterior capsulotomy with Nd-Yag laser is a valuable procedure for the patients with posterior capsule opacification, since it remarkably improves visual acuity with minimum complications

Hipercementosis apicales y no apicales en raíces dentarias humanas / Apical and non-apical hypercementosis in human dental root

El cemento secundario del ápice radicular se deposita en forma lenta y continua durante toda la vida útil del diente, siendo su función compensar el desgaste producido por la masticación. En raras ocasiones podemos hallar en la raíz dental, a posteriori de una extracción dentaria, excesos de cementos redondeados u ovalados, bien delimitados y duros al tacto, ubicados en un sector radicular diferente al ápice. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar las características físicas y radiológicas de raíces dentales normales con aquéllas que presentan este tipo de formaciones que alteran la anatomía radicular. Fueron incluidos 20 dientes adultos con raíces normales y 20 con raíces donde se visualizaron estos depósitos. Las variables investigadas fueron edad, sexo, patologías generales y periodontales previas, tipo de diente extraído, ubicación en el arco dental, motivo de extracción, características de consistencia, color, aspecto y textura de todas las raíces. La imagen radiológica fue crucial para la inclusión de dientes con exceso de cemento. Se recolectó un total de 40 dientes adultos, cuya edad promedio fue de 61 años (16-79), 42.5 por ciento masculinos y 57.5 por ciento femeninos. Patología general presentó el 37.5 por ciento y periodontal el 55 por ciento, los dientes mas extraídos fueron premolares superiores del lado derecho 15 por ciento. La caries fue causa principal de extracción 72.5 por ciento. En ambos grupos las raíces fueron de consistencia dura y textura lisa. El aspecto nacarado fue de 70 por ciento y 60 por ciento, los colores claros 45 por ciento y 75 por ciento, respectivamente. En las radiografías se observó que el cemento no se diferenció de la dentina en el 40 por ciento y 85 por ciento de cada grupo (p=0.004). Los adultos pueden desarrollar anomalías de cemento ubicadas en otro sector del ápice si bien las características físicas de la raíz se consideran dentro de parámetros normales.

Secondary cementum is deposited in a root apical third throughout the lifespan of a tooth to compensate occlusal erosion, keeping dental pieces in occlusion contact. Pearls are more difficult to spot, found by X-rays or after extraction. Their ovoid or spherical aspect is well outlined, hard to touch, and located in different thirds of the root. Our objective was to compare physical and radiological dental normal roots characteristics with those presenting this type of formations that alter radicular anatomy. We used 20 normal roots and 20 pearl shapes. Variables compared: age, sex, previous general pathologies and periodontals; extracted tooth type, dental arch location, extraction cause, consistency characteristics, color, aspect and texture of all roots and pearls. Radiological image was crucial for incorporation of teeth with cementum excess. Proportions between normal pieces and pearls were calculated with Fisher's Exact Test, with 5 percent significance level. Average age was 61years (16-79), and male proportion was 42.5 percent and 57.5 percent female. General pathology presented 37.5 percent and periodontal 55 percent, more extracted teeth were right side upper premolars 15 percent. Caries were extraction chief motive 72.5 percent. Roots were of hard consistency and smooth texture in both groups; nacreous aspect was 65 percent, clear colors 75 percent. Pearl consistency was hard in all of them; white color 60 percent and root similar color 40 percent; nacreous aspect 75 percent and smooth texture 90 percent. In radiographs was observed that cementum did not differ from dentine in 85 percent of pearls and in 60 percent of normal roots (p=0.004). Adults can develop cementum anomalies located in another apex sector although the root physical characteristics are considered inside normal parameters.

Cutaneous lesions in Turkish neonates born in a teaching hospital.

Background: The neonatal period is regarded as the first 4 weeks of extrauterine life. In the literature, there are numerous articles about the skin findings in neonates and the results of these studies show differences according to races and environmental factors. Aims: Our objective was to evaluate the skin lesions seen in neonates delivered in our hospital and to determine their relationship to gender, gestational age and route of delivery. Methods: Newborns delivered at the Obstetrics Clinics of our hospital between November 2007 and April 2008 were included in this study. Dermatologic examination was performed and relationship between the 10 most common skin findings and gender, gestational age and route of delivery were statistically evaluated. Results: A total of 572 newborns were examined for the presence of skin lesions. Most common skin findings were Epstein pearls (58.76%), sebaceous hyperlasia (48.45%) and xerosis (31.29%). Milia and sebaceous hyperplasia in girls, desquamation and xerosis in preterms, Epstein pearls, sebaceous hyperplasia and desquamation in vaginally delivered babies were found to be more frequent and the differences were statistically significant. Conclusýon: We found that 90.7% of the neonates had one or more cutaneous lesions. Maturity and type of delivery of the babies were important factors in their causation. In Turkey, this study is the first study performed on the skin lesions seen during the neonatal period. With this study, we want to increase the awareness about the skin findings in neonates.

Signo radiológico: las valiosas perlas del intestino delgado / The valuable pearls of the small intestine

The string of pearls sign can be seen in simple abdominal radiography and computed tomography as well. It consists of a row of small air bubbles longitudinally oriented in the abdomen. They represent small amounts of air trapped between valvulae conniventes along the non dependent wall of predominantly fluid-filled, dilated small bowel loops. This sign is considered virtually diagnostic of small bowel obstruction, which occurs whenever there is an intrinsic or extrinsic blockage of the normal flow of bowel contentand manifests as abdominal pain, distention, vomiting, and increased high-pitched bowel sounds. It is a potentially life threatening disease that requires urgent treatment. Duration of obstruction, vomiting frequency and gastric or enteric suction may affect radiographic appearance. It continues being hard to diagnose only based on simple radiography. Despite its low frequency, the string of pearls sign could be very valuable for radiologist, clinical physician and patient.

El signo del collar de perlas puede ser visto en radiografía simple de abdomen y en tomografía computada. Consiste en un conjunto de pequeñas burbujas dispuestas en forma longitudinal. Representan pequeños acúmulos de gas atrapados entre las válvulas conniventes de asas de intestino delgado dilatadas y predominantemente rellenas de líquido a lo largo de su pared no dependiente(1). Es considerado virtualmente diagnóstico de obstrucción intestinal, que ocurre cuando existe un bloqueo intrínseco o extrínseco al flujo normal del contenido intestinal que se manifiesta con dolor abdominal, distensión, vómitos, borborigmos y bazuqueo. Es una enfermedad potencialmente letal que requiere ser resuelta en forma urgente. La duración de la obstrucción, la frecuencia de los vómitos, y la aspiración del contenido gástrico o enteral pueden afectar la apariencia radiográfica. Continúa siendo difícil de diagnosticar solamente con radiografía simple de abdomen. Aunque es poco frecuente, el signo del collar de perlas es muy valioso para el radiólogo, el clínico y el paciente.